China’s teen swimming sensation Yu turns into youngest ever to obtain Laureus nomination

Chinese swimming sensation Yu Zidi has been nominated for a Laureus World Sports Award, the youngest athlete to ever obtain that honour.

The 13-year-old is up for the Breakthrough of the Year Award alongside the likes of NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Formula 1 champion Lando Norris.

There has been recognition too for Hong Kong charity Rugby for Good within the Laureus Sport for Good class.

Yu made historical past on the World Aquatics Championships final 12 months, turning into the youngest swimmer to ever medal on the occasion, claiming bronze as a part of China girls’s 4x200m freestyle relay group when she was simply 12.

The teenager is the second Chinese swimmer to be nominated for the breakthrough award, after Qin Haiyang in 2024, and if profitable would be the first from the nation to win the class since ex-NBA star Yao Ming, who received in 2003 and went on to change into a Laureus World Sports Academy Member 12 years later.

Rugby For Good has been recognised for the rugby classes it runs to help youngsters with ADHD and their households, and is considered one of six initiatives within the class, alongside programmes that promote soccer, tennis and different sports activities in deprived communities all over the world.